A man, who initially took back sex abuse allegations made against the former puppeteer Kevin Clash, is now suing him. He's alleging the entertainer lured him into drug-fueled sex when he was 16, according to prosecutors.

In a federal lawsuit recently filed in Pennsylvania, Sheldon Stephens is accusing 52-year-old Clash of sexual battery for childhood sexual abuse; travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; and coercion and enticement to sexual activity, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors say Stephens is asking for unspecified damages and coverage of his legal expenses from the former puppeteer of the "Sesame Street" character, Elmo.

"I was taken advantage of by someone a lot older, and manipulated," 24-year-old Sheldon Stephens told press at a Manhattan news conference on Tuesday.

He said he met Clash at a networking event for models and actors, and was later brought by limousine from his home in Pennsylvania to a New York apartment. There, Clash smoked crystal meth while giving the teenager another recreational drug. He was 22 when the relationship ended.

Stephens said he decided to take action after watching "Sesame Street" with his young nieces.

"When I started to realize my nieces were idolizing this character, it just disgusted me inside, because I knew what had happened to me," Stephens said.

Stephens first made the allegations last year. He decided to take back the allegations after there was a possibility of a settlement. However, a settlement was never reached, according to his lawyer, Jeff Herman.

Herman said his client would not discuss details of any possible agreement.

Clash's attorney, Michael Berger, said in a statement Tuesday that his client denies any wrongdoing. He said Stephens had already admitted that he once had an adult consensual relationship with Clash.

There are also three other men who are suing Clash, alleging underage sex.